Transformation. Kazan's Lithuanian sniper, Oktyabr's wild card and Nowitzki's friend

The VTB United League and Sport-Express are excited to continue the Transformation series, focused on this summer's free agent activity and the new players and coaches that will have an impact on the league next season. Today we look at three big free-agent signings: Lithuanian sniper Arturas Milaknis joined UNICS, NBA Draft first-rounder JaJuan Johnson signed with Krasny Oktyabr, while ex-Rocket and 76er Tim Olbrecht will man the paint at Enisey.

Arturas Milaknis, UNICS

Position: Small forward
Country: Lithuania
Age: 29
Former Clubs: Zalgiris, Lithuania (2007-08), Atletas, Lithuania (2008), Zalgiris, Lithuania (2008-11), Prieinai, Lithuania (2011-13), Zalgiris, Lithuania (2013-15)
2014-15 Stats: 10.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 25.5 minutes per game in the Euroleague

UNICS struggled on the perimeter last season, finishing 9th in the league in 3-pointers. Evgeny Pashutin's squad may or may not have put much emphasis on outside shooting last season...But UNICS newcomer Arturas Milaknis expects to change that, smiling as he said: "You just didn't have a shooter like me," moments after signing a two-year contract.

Milaknis is a heavenly shooter. He was named Playoffs MVP in the Lithuanian league, averaging 14.3 points on 46.1% shooting from downtown. In 24 Euroleague games, he converted 46.2% (60-130)! He's amazingly consistent, though what else would you expect from someone who once knocked down 13 straight halfcourt shots in practice?!

29 years old, Milaknis continues to get better. He improved on defense under Kaunas coach Gintars Krapikas and added more weapons on offense, including his passing ability. His hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. Milaknis tried out for the Dallas Mavericks this summer and was added to Lithuania's extended list for the 2015 EuroBasket tournament. Now's he going to improve alongside UNICS.

JaJuan Johnson, Krasny Oktyabr

Position: Power forward/center
Country: USA
Age: 26
Former Clubs: Purdue University, NCAA (2007-11), Boston, NBA (2011-12), Fort Wayne, D-League (2012), Canton, D-League (2012-13), Idaho, D-League (2013), Pistoia, Italy (2013-14), Guangdong, China (2014), Besiktas, Turkey (2014-15)
2014-15 Season Stats: 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.4 blocks in 29 minutes per game in the Eurocup

After a successful career at Purdue, Johnson was selected 27th by the New Jersey Nets in the 2011 NBA Draft. The Nets traded him to Boston, but the big man struggled both for the Celtics and in several D-League stops.

After two years in the USA, Johnson decided to give Europe a shot, where he's enjoyed two terrific seasons at Pistoia and Besiktas, averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds per game. The American big man can play both center and power forward, with a solid inside game and mid-range jumper. He can even knock down the '3' on occasion. Johnson is also uber athletic and coordinated, driving to the basket for dunks or alley-oop finishes.

Johnson is back on the rise. League fans can expect to see him in the highlights and among the league leaders in points scored and efficiency rating.

Tim Ohlbrecht, Enisey

Position: Center
Country: Germany
Age: 26
Former Clubs: Bayer, Germany (2005-06), Bamberg, Germany (2006-09), TSV, Germany (2006-08), Nurnberger, Germany (2008), Telekom, Germany (2009-11), Skyliners (2011-12), Rio Grande, D-League (2012-13), Houston Rockets, NBA (2013), Rio Grande, D-League (2013-14), Fort Wayne, D-League (2014), Ulm, Germany (2014-15)
2014-15 Season Stats: 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game in the German league

Enisey parted ways with Elmedin Kikanovic and Kosta Perovic this summer. The Bosnian big man had been a leader in Krasnoyarsk, posing a threat under the basket and on the perimeter, while pulling down rebounds. Perovic's size caused problems for opposing defenses, especially close to the basket. While the two big men will be missed, Enisey found a worthy replacement in Tim Ohlbrecht.

He's twice won the NBA D-League, earning attention from the NBA. Unfortunately, he faced stiff competition in Houston from Dwight Howard and Omar Asik, while the rebuilding project in Philadelphia didn't appear to be a good fit. Ohlbrecht also has significant international experience thanks to his time on the German national team with Dirk Nowitzki (Olympics, World Championships and EuroBasket) and decided to return to Europe.

The highly skilled center hardly has any weaknesses. Ohlbrecht is most comfortable in the paint, where he likes finish with a soft touch or powerful dunk. On defense, Ohlbrecht fights for every loose ball and uses his wingspan to neutralize opponents. He combines the best of Kikanovic and Perovic in his game and is certain to start and star for Enisey next season.